Screening and Rehabilitation of Olfaction After Total Laryngectomy in Swedish Patients

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Abstract
Total laryngectomy results in a permanent disconnection of the upper and lower airways with a wide range of adverse effects. This change in anatomy leads to deterioration in pulmonary function as well as loss of the normal senses of smell and taste, loss of voice, and associated physical and psychosocial problems. As the normal passive nasal airflow and thereby the odor stimulation to the olfactory epithelium will be lacking, the patient's ability to smell will severely deteriorate.1 This may have serious consequences to daily life, as the patients are unable to detect spoiled food, smoke, or leaking gas. Moreover, since most so-called tastes (eg, chocolate, coffee, tea, meat, and others) are dependent on retronasal stimulation of the olfactory receptors, the perception of such tastes will also be negatively influenced.2-4 It is evident that these adverse effects on taste and smell have an impact on patients' quality of life.2,3,5,6